This is the classic Horseshoe Ridge Walk, a full mountain circuit taking in Fan y Big, Cribyn, Pen y Fan and Corn Du. It's one of the best ridge walks in southern Britain, with constant views, steep short climbs, and a real sense of achievement. In good weather the views are huge; in poor weather it can feel very serious very quickly — so come prepared.
Getting There: Directions, GPX and Map
Start / Finish: Neuadd Car Park (postcode CF48 2UT).
Driving: Best approached via the A470 (Merthyr) or A40 → Talybont-on-Usk → Abercynafon.
The best place to start is the Neuadd Car Park — it has the same postcode as others in the area, but if you're using Google Maps, search specifically for 'Neuadd Car Park Brecon Beacons'.
The Route
Once there, walk to the top of the car park and a small path appears on the right, taking you onto the main pathway. You can take the walk left or right from here. I recommend going right — it warms the legs up gradually, rather than attacking a very steep climb almost straight away.
Follow the path up to the gate, down into the dip, over the little stream, and up the other side. At this point all four peaks come into view. Keep going along the path until you reach the shoulder between the first two peaks — Fan y Big on your right, Cribyn on your left — approximately 1.5 miles.
Fan y Big – "Point of the Peak"
You've reached the gap. Turn right and head up to Fan y Big. At the top, make sure you brave the famous Diving Board and take in the views across the Beacons for the first time. To return to the gap, walk directly behind you toward the next peak and you'll see a return path on the right heading back down.
Cribyn
Cribyn is smaller than the other summits but the views are incredible — up and down the valley, and across to what's still to come. It has its own Diving Board and a small cairn near the summit. The paths are well maintained, but be careful on the descent toward Pen y Fan — it's steep and can be very slippery in wet conditions.
Pen y Fan – The Big One
The climb to Pen y Fan is the toughest section — it will test your lungs and your legs. Watch out for the false ridge; it catches people out every time. After that there's a steep final section over some rocks, requiring a proper step up, but take your time and suddenly you're on the summit ridge.
Unlike the quieter sections earlier in the day, Pen y Fan usually has plenty of people making the climb from the main route. There are good spots to sit down and recover before continuing on to the final peak.
Corn Du – The Final Summit
You can skirt left or take the last few steps to the top of Corn Du before making your way back along the ridge. The ridge has steep edges so stay aware, but this is where you give yourself a well-earned pat on the back — four peaks completed, all visible to your left as you walk the return ridge.
The Return
The return ridge walk is brilliant but exposed, with steep drops on both sides. Eventually you'll spot the straight tree line below — that's your descent. It's steep, often wet, and tiring on tired legs, so take it steady back to the reservoir and the car.
A Winter Training Walk to Remember
This walk was one of our training hikes for the Three Peaks Challenge, completed in early February alongside Pants and Sam, while raising money for Kent Air Ambulance.
What made this one feel a little different was the timing. Only a week earlier, the Brecon Beacons had been hit by heavy snowfall and although the main routes had reopened, there was still plenty of evidence of winter hanging around. Snow remained tucked into gullies and shaded areas, and the mountains carried that raw, cold feeling that reminds you quickly who's in charge.
When we arrived at Neuadd Car Park, conditions didn't exactly inspire confidence. The start was hidden beneath low cloud, mist drifted across the hillsides and a steady drizzle sat in the air. Looking up, there wasn't much to suggest we'd see anything all day.
Starting from Neuadd Car Park, we took the route to the right, easing ourselves into the walk rather than attacking the steepest section straight away. After crossing the stream and beginning the gradual climb, the outlines of the four peaks slowly appeared through the cloud.
Fan y Big. Cribyn. Pen y Fan. Corn Du. Even seeing them emerge felt like a small win.
As we climbed higher the conditions began to change. By the time we reached the second ridge the cloud finally started to break apart and suddenly the Brecon Beacons opened up around us. After the gloomy start we were rewarded with incredible views stretching across the valleys and surrounding peaks.
Standing on the Diving Board at Fan y Big with the landscape opening out below felt even more satisfying knowing that only days earlier this whole area had been buried under snow. There was still enough left around to remind us winter hadn't completely let go.
Then came the toughest section — the climb to Pen y Fan. This is where training days earn their value. Legs were working, lungs were reminding us we'd signed up for this voluntarily, and the false summit played its usual tricks. Eventually the final rocky section appeared and after the last push we reached the summit ridge.
After a quick stop and the obligatory summit photos, we carried on across to Corn Du. By this point there's something satisfying about knowing the hardest work is done. Looking back across the route and seeing the peaks lined up behind us gives you a real sense of achievement.
The return ridge was still exposed and care was needed — wet ground, uneven paths and steep drops mean this route deserves respect, particularly in winter conditions or after snow.
Eventually we reached the descent toward Lower Neuadd Reservoir and the final stretch back to the car. Looking back at the ridge, it was hard to believe how different the day had looked when we started.
📸 Photos from the Day
